Using a cooking bag for your turkey means that it wont dry out and all the flavors are kept in. Its perfect for white meat like the turkey breast which often can end up dry and flavorless.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 5 pounds bone-in turkey breast salt ground black pepper 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered 3 bay leaves
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Dust the inside of a large (14-by-20-inch) oven bag with flour. Rinse turkey under cold running water; pat dry with paper towels. Season the breast all over with salt and pepper. Rub butter over the skin side, then place the breast skin side down. Place onion quarters and bay leaves in the breast cavity. Place the turkey breast in the oven bag. Gather the bag loosely around the turkey, allowing room for heat to circulate. Secure the bag with its nylon tie. Cut six 1-inch slits in the top of the bag. Place the bag in a 13-by-9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Bake the turkey until it is deep golden brown and the meat is cooked through, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let the turkey rest in the bag for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a platter to slice. Remove and discard the bay leaves and onion quarters. Reserve the pan juices. Strain them for making gravy, if desired, or freeze them for making turkey soup.
Use a high-quality oven bag to prevent leaks or bursts during cooking. Season the turkey generously. Place the turkey breast correctly in the bag for even cooking. Cut slits in the bag to allow steam to escape. Let the turkey rest before slicing for juicier meat. Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or vegetables. Experiment with different seasonings on the turkey. Remember, always check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Do not rely on a pop-up timer if your turkey breast comes with one.
Roasting a juicy, flavorful turkey breast seems intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. With some simple preparation and the right roasting technique, you can have tender, delicious turkey breast on your table in no time. The key is cooking it at the right temperature – 350°F is ideal. But how long exactly should you cook a turkey breast at 350°F? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Overview of Cooking Turkey Breast
Turkey breast can be roasted bone-in or boneless, with or without the skin on. Bone-in breasts are more flavorful and juicy, while boneless cooks more quickly. Roasting the breast separately from the whole turkey speeds up cooking time.
Most recipes call for roasting turkey breast at 325°F, but using 350°F will decrease cooking time without drying out the meat. The higher heat helps crisp up the skin and lock in moisture.
Regardless of temperature, always rely on a meat thermometer to judge doneness rather than time. Turkey breast should reach 165°F at the thickest part when finished cooking.
How Long Per Pound at 350°F
The general guideline is to cook turkey breast for 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. At 350°F you can shorten this roasting time to 12-15 minutes per pound.
Here are estimated roasting times at 350°F based on turkey breast size:
- 2 lb breast: 24-30 minutes
- 3 lb breast: 36-45 minutes
- 4 lb breast: 48-60 minutes
- 5 lb breast: 60-75 minutes
- 6 lb breast: 72-90 minutes
- 7 lb breast: 84-105 minutes
For boneless or those without skin check temperature early. Resting for 15 minutes before slicing lets juices redistribute.
Seasoning and Preparing the Turkey Breast
Proper seasoning and prep is key for flavorful, tender turkey breast:
- Brine the breast in a saltwater solution overnight to season and retain moisture.
- Rub with herbs and oil to encourage crispy skin. Try rosemary, sage, thyme.
- Insert aromatics like lemon, garlic, onions, and herbs into the breast cavity to impart flavor.
- Roast skin-side up on a rack in a pan so the skin gets crispy and fat drips away.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for proper 165°F doneness.
- Rest the roasted breast for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for juicy delicious oven roasted turkey breast
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Remove breast from packaging and pat dry. Discard bag with giblets/neck if included.
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Make a brine if desired and soak breast 12-24 hours.
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Remove from brine, pat dry, allow to air dry in fridge 1-2 hours before seasoning.
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Coat with oil and desired seasonings. Stuff cavity with aromatics.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Place breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Roast for calculated time, 12-15 minutes per pound. Check temp early for boneless.
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Once 165°F is reached, remove breast from oven. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 15 minutes.
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Carve and enjoy your perfectly cooked turkey breast!
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast Size
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For fast weeknight dinners, choose a 2-3 lb breast. It’ll cook quickly under an hour.
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For family meals or small gatherings, a 4-5 lb breast serves 4-6 people nicely. Allow 1-1 1/2 hours roasting time.
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Hosting a large crowd? Go for a 6-7 lb turkey breast. It’ll feed 10+ and takes about 1 1/2 – 2 hours to roast.
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Get an accurate weight by weighing your breast at home on a kitchen scale vs relying on package labeling.
Safety Tips
Follow these tips for safe handling and cooking:
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Always thaw turkey breast thoroughly in the refrigerator before roasting.
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Use a food-safe meat thermometer to verify 165°F minimum temperature.
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Stuffing must also reach 165°F if cooked inside the breast cavity.
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Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
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Reheat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F.
The Benefits of Roasted Turkey Breast
Cooking boneless, skinless turkey breast has many advantages:
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Turkey offers lean, low-fat protein compared to fattier meats.
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It’s an affordable, budget-friendly cut of meat.
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Turkey breast is very versatile – slice for sandwiches, dice in salads, shred for casseroles, etc.
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Kids love turkey’s mild flavor. It’s a great lean protein option for picky eaters.
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Turkey breast is easy to season and pairs well with a variety of flavor profiles.
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Leftovers can be used in endless recipes – soups, wraps, enchiladas, turkey pot pie, and more!
Alternate Cooking Methods
While roasting is ideal, you can also cook turkey breast using these methods:
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On the stovetop – Sear skin-side down first, then simmer in stock at medium heat for 15-20 minutes per pound.
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Grill – Great for getting crispy skin. Cook over indirect heat for same timing as oven.
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Smoke – Delicious flavor. Cook at 225-250°F for approximately 2 hours per 5 lbs.
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Sous vide – Cook 1-4 lb breasts for 2-4 hours at 145°F for tender consistency.
For optimal flavor, moisture and ease – roast your turkey breast in the oven at 350°F. Allow 12-15 minutes per pound cook time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the breast reaches 165°F at its thickest section before removing it from the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes, then slice and enjoy your perfect turkey breast!
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The turkey breast is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F.
Can I prepare the turkey breast ahead of time?
You can season and butter the turkey breast ahead, but its best roasted on the day of serving.
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
Is it better to cook a bone-in turkey breast at 325 or 350 degrees? Cook a bone-in turkey breast at 350°F. It will typically take 12-15 minutes per pound. So an 8-9 lb bone-in turkey breast will roast for 1 ½ to 2 hours (90 to 120 minutes).
How long does it take to cook an 8lb turkey breast at 350?
| Estimated Roasting Time†† | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight in Lbs. | Roasting Time at 350° | Slow Cooker Time on High |
| 3-5 lbs. | 1-2¼ hours | 3-4 hours |
| 5-7 lbs. | 2¼-3 hours | 4-5 hours |
| 7-9 lbs. | 3-3½ hours | 5-6 hours |
Should a turkey breast be cooked, covered or uncovered?
Should You Cover a Turkey When Cooking? To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven.Nov 13, 2024
What is the perfect temperature for cooked turkey breast?
Though it’s a much smaller cut than a whole turkey, it’s still important to test the internal temperature of your turkey breast at the thickest part of the breast. Again, 165°F (73.9°C) is the magic number.
How long do you cook a turkey breast at 350?
For a juicy, flavorful turkey breast, cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. If you prefer a more browned turkey breast, cook it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 45 minutes. For a quick and easy turkey breast, cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Introduction
How long do you cook a bone in Turkey Breast?
In general, you’ll want to cook a bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C), or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Is it better to cook bone-in turkey breast at 325 or 350?
How long does it take to cook a 2 pound turkey?
Roasting a 2-pound turkey breast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will take approximately 3.5 hours. To cook a turkey breast in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
How do you cook a 3 lb turkey breast?
The oven is the most common way to cook a turkey breast. To cook a Butterball 3 lb turkey breast in the oven, you will need: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey breast with melted butter. Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil.
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
How Long To Roast Turkey Breast – General Rule: The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an un-stuffed turkey, or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Or 15 minutes per pound at 325 unstuffed and 17 minutes per pound at 325 for a stuffed turkey.
How long do you bake a turkey breast in the oven?
Bake the turkey breasts at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound. Braise halfway through with the drippings accumulated on the baking sheet to prevent the breast from over drying. When baking is done, remove it from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. How to bake turkey breast in the oven fast?